There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of spaghetti, especially when it’s drizzled in garlic butter and loaded with sausage and spinach. This recipe takes me back to cozy family dinners, where the aroma of garlic wafted through the air, inviting everyone to the table. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also quick to whip up on a busy weeknight. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Sausage & Spinach
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti – The classic base for this dish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed – The heartiness you crave.
- 4 cups fresh spinach – For a pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Creaminess that brings it all together.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The finishing touch of cheesy goodness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings.
- Red pepper flakes, optional – A little kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – A bright garnish to elevate the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Sausage & Spinach
- Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Next, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted, adding a lovely green hue to your dish.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and combined.
- Season your sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with that luscious sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
- For a vegetarian twist, consider using mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.
- Top with a sprinkle of crushed walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti; you want it al dente to hold its texture in the sauce.
- If you are prepping ahead, cook the spaghetti and sauce separately and combine just before serving.
- Feel free to adjust the garlic to your taste—garlic lovers can never have too much!
How to Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Sausage & Spinach
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it seems dry. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to a month, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
- Is there a dairy-free version? Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
So there you have it, a delightful recipe for Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Sausage & Spinach that is sure to impress! For more delicious recipes, check out my Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes or Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more tasty inspiration!

Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Sausage & Spinach
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti The classic base for this dish.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter Adds richness and flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- 4 cups fresh spinach For a pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creaminess that brings it all together.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese The finishing touch of cheesy goodness.
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Next, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted, adding a lovely green hue to your dish.
- Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and combined.
- Step 6: Season your sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
- Step 7: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with that luscious sauce.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
